Question Box: Let your
light shine, but not to be seen?

Question or
Topic

Scripture

Let your light shine, but not to be
seen?

Matthew 5:16

In Matthew 5:16 we are told: "Let your light so shine
before men, that they may see your good works".
Conversely, in what appears to be a conflicting
statement from Matthew 6:1, we read: "Take heed that
ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them".
How do we reconcile and apply these statements?

Answer

Alms are acts or deeds that will benefit
others such as the poor. Light, on the other hand, is
something that may result from these deeds. Alms are
a cause, and the light is then the potential
effect. It would appear that the Master is
telling us that we should not broadcast or proclaim
our own alms or acts of compassion, but that we
should also not interfere when the results of our
actions may be beneficial in the proclamation of
God's truth.

Alms are certainly commendable and beneficial
service. We are provided with examples of individuals
who are praised for these acts of righteousness.
Cornelius, for example, was a man whose prayers and
alms came up "for a memorial before God" (Acts 10:4).
Alms are good deeds, and they are to be encouraged,
if they are done in secret and without an ulterior
motive. "But when thou doest alms, let not thy left
hand know what thy right hand doeth" (Matthew 6:3).
Alms that are offered in the spirit of the teachings
of Christ will generate light that will shine before
men.

Motivation

One of the key factors in this question is the
issue of motivation. In one of the verses in
question, the Master was addressing the motivation
and not the act. "Take heed that ye do not your alms
before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye
have no reward of your Father which is in heaven"
(Matthew 6:1). He goes on to say: "Therefore when
thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet
before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues
and in the streets, that they may have glory of
men. Verily I say unto you, They have their
reward" (v. 2). Our acts of compassion should not be
simply a convenient mechanism so that we may achieve
of the praise of men.

In the other verse from our question, we learn
about a better motivation: "Let your light so shine
before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven"
(Matthew 5:16). Alms should be stimulated by a desire
to call attention to the glory of our heavenly
Father, and never to promote our own image.

Fine Line?

There may be a fine line involved in this matter.
There is often very little practical difference
between those acts of kindness that are done for
personal recognition, and those that are done to
glorify God. Most men would be unable to discern
between the two. Jesus however, will have no
difficulty judging our motivation. We read in Matt
7:

Matthew
7:22-23

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord,
have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name
have cast out devils? and in thy name done many
wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew
you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

We must use honest self examination and take a
good look at our own heart. Let us consider very
carefully what our own motivation is. When we stand
before the Master, he will see through any of our
pretenses. We hope that our prayers and alms have
been in the right spirit. We hope that they have come
up in remembrance before the throne, and that they
are to the glory of God.

Obligation

It can be tempting to avoid any action that may
appear to others as if our only desire is to be seen
of men or to glorify self. We must be certain
however, that we do not shirk from our duty to
continue in those activities that will let our light
shine to the glory of God.

There are several instructions that identify our
obligation to continue in good works. The gospel
writings cry out for us to be "doers of the word", to
love our brethren and to have compassion on others.
"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good
unto all men, especially unto them who are of the
household of faith" (Galations 6:10).

We are reminded that we "are a chosen generation,
a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar
people; that ye should show forth the praises
of him who hath called you out of darkness into his
marvellous light" (I Peter 2:9).

By Their Fruits

We learn that there are purposes to being
of good reputation. One of these being that the
Master has instructed us:

Matthew
7:16-17

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do
men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of
thistles?

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good
fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil
fruit.

The way that we conduct our lives will let others
know whether or not our efforts at promoting God's
word should be taken seriously or not.

Another purpose is described in these words:
"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles:
that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers,
they may by your good works, which they shall
behold, glorify God in the day of visitation" (I
Peter 2:12).

We are also encouraged to "do all things without
murmurings and disputings: That ye may be
blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without
rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse
nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the
world; Holding forth the word of life" (Phil
2:14-16).

"In all things showing thyself a pattern of good
works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,
sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned;
that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed,
having no evil thing to say of you" (Titus
2:7-8).

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath
appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying
ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present
world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the
glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour
Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might
redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself
a peculiar people, zealous of good works"
(Titus 2:11-14).

"This is a faithful saying, and these things I
will that thou affirm constantly, that they which
have believed in God might be careful to maintain
good works. These things are good and
profitable unto men" (Titus 3:8).

The Master has shown us that our good deeds, to
the least of his brethren, are considered as acts
done directly to him. In his parable from Matthew 25,
the righteous were not even aware of the full the
effect of their good deeds. They had no selfish
motive but the light from their works was shining.
Their Father which saw in secret would now reward
them openly.

Matthew
25:37-40

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying,
Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee?
or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in?
or naked, and clothed thee?

Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and
came unto thee?

And the King shall answer and say unto them,
Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it
unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have
done it unto me

Our Choice?

Whether we consciously choose to do so or not, we
will establish a reputation in the eyes of men. Our
light will either shine, or be placed under a bushel.
If our alms are motivated in self sacrificing
service, they will glorify God and bring honor to the
name that we bear. If our actions are motivated in
selfish glory, they will give occasion for the
enemies of God to blaspheme.

I Timothy
5:24-25

Some men's sins are open beforehand, going
before to judgment; and some men they follow
after.

Likewise also the good works of some are
manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise
cannot be hid.